The Executive Trying to Make Microsoft Smarter About AI

In the tech industry’s artificial-intelligence race, Microsoft is taking an unusual tack: pouring billions into a tiny, unproven startup, rather than relying on homegrown technology and in-house teams. A relative newcomer to the company is behind this bet: Chief Technology Officer Kevin Scott. Scott joined the tech giant seven years ago as part of an acquisition and has bucked Microsoft’s culture to promote a $10 billion partnership with OpenAI.